[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1545]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL GEAR UP DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 2008

  Mr. HONDA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1311, 
supporting the designation of July 22, 2008 as National GEAR UP Day. 
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR 
UP) serves to increase the number of low-income students who are 
prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education. Through the 
hard work of program staff, students, families, and educators, GEAR UP 
has proven to be an incredibly successful program, providing services 
at high-poverty middle and high schools. This year marks the 10th 
Anniversary since Congress established the GEAR UP program, 
exemplifying our commitment towards providing a quality education to 
the disadvantaged youth of America.
   In a society that depends on, and rewards, those who have a strong 
educational background, lagging behind can have severe consequences. In 
this day and age, when our country has transitioned from a post-
industrial economy into a knowledge based economy, investing in 
education is more important than ever, and a high school degree is seen 
as one of the first steps towards achieving that quality education. 
Research has shown that having a high school degree significantly 
increases an individual's annual earnings and labor force participation 
rates, and that these rates increase with greater educational 
attainment.
   According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 8.9 
percent of 15-24 year-old students from low-income families dropped out 
during grades 10-12 in 2005, compared to 3.8 percent from middle-income 
and 1.5 percent from high-income families. In the same year, 53.5 
percent of high school graduates from low-income families enrolled in 
college immediately after high school, compared to 65.1 percent of 
middle-income students and 81.2 percent of high-income students.
   GEAR UP is currently focused on three objectives to reduce the 
disadvantages low-income students face compared to their middle-income 
and high-income peers: increasing academic performance and preparation 
for postsecondary education, increasing high school graduation and 
post-secondary enrollment rates, and increasing students' and their 
families' knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation, 
and financing. These efforts are working--in 2006, 85.5 percent of the 
second cohort of GEAR UP students graduated from high school. This 
remarkable graduation rate is well above those of other low-income 
students who did not participate in GEAR UP (64 percent) and all 
students nationally (73.9 percent).
   While the effects of GEAR UP are evident, there are currently many 
low-income students who are unable to participate in the program and 
many areas in which the program can improve. We need to raise awareness 
and bolster discussions about how to tailor GEAR UP for all of our low-
income students. Recognizing July 22nd, 2008 as National GEAR UP Day 
could provide the opportunity for conversation about the challenges and 
opportunities faced by lower income students and will recognize the 
success of so many who have defied expectations. Funding is also vital 
towards the successful implementation and expansion of GEAR UP, and as 
a Member of the Appropriations Committee, I will work to ensure 
improved funding for GEAR UP and other critical Federal programs 
focused on improving educational opportunities, supporting the work of 
teachers and schools, and increasing access to higher education.

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